Sahara Group Foundation Launches MADAA Reloaded to Support African Entrepreneurs

The Sahara Group Foundation has renewed its promise to empower African entrepreneurs by relaunching its Making A Difference Around Africa (MADAA) initiative. Known as MADAA Reloaded, the program is designed to give business owners easy access to markets, technology, and expert guidance so they can grow their ventures and make a real difference in their communities. Chidilim Menakaya, Director at Sahara Group Foundation, said the goal is to help entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities to grow their businesses and support Africa’s wider development goals. “Through the MADAA initiative, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with opportunities that will grow their businesses and ultimately unlock Africa’s potential for inclusive development,” she explained at the launch of the updated program.

MADAA Reloaded is a key part of the Foundation’s bold EXTRApreneurship approach. This model focuses on finding forward-thinking entrepreneurs who use local resources and sustainable methods to solve daily problems. These entrepreneurs will be given the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to build businesses that not only grow but also protect the environment. Menakaya noted that the first edition of MADAA revealed an incredible level of talent across Africa. However, the team realized they needed to widen the program’s reach to find even more innovators who could bring meaningful change. “MADAA Reloaded represents our renewed commitment to discovering, empowering, and celebrating these changemakers,” she added.

Applications for MADAA Reloaded are open until May 31, 2025. Selected entrepreneurs will receive expert mentorship, business advice tailored to their needs, and important visibility to help them succeed in today’s competitive market. The shortlisting process will begin in June 2025, and the program is expected to launch in the third quarter of the year. But MADAA Reloaded isn’t just about short-term support. The Foundation is also focused on helping participants succeed in the long run. Graduates of the program will get access to other opportunities, like the Sahara Impact Fund (SIF), which provides additional capital to help them expand. They will also be introduced to a wide network of investors, business experts, and strategic partners to help them scale their businesses.

Through MADAA Reloaded, the Sahara Group Foundation is strengthening its mission to build sustainable African communities by supporting what it calls EXTRApreneurs which involves innovative, courageous entrepreneurs who are not only improving their own lives but also creating lasting change across the continent.